Ron's New Year
Ron's New Year Starts Traveling Wisconsin
Statewide Listening Session Tour on National Security
The Senate is back in session next week, but Sen. Johnson had a busy week traveling Wisconsin for a series of national security listening sessions. He talked to constituents and law enforcement in Green Bay, Mosinee, Superior, River Falls, La Crosse and Madison. Read more in this Duluth News Tribune story.
Visiting Middleton High School
Sen. Johnson stopped by Middleton High School on Friday for a school assembly. He joined almost 300 10th grade students as they debated mock bills written by students. Afterwards, he answered questions on a variety of topics including gun control and climate change.
This Week's Developments
Groundless Probe of Wisconsin School Choice is Finally Over
The federal government closed its long-running probe — now acknowledged as groundless — of Wisconsin’s pioneering program giving students and parents the freedom to choose what school they wish to attend.
“I’m glad the Obama administration has at last admitted that its investigation into the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program was meritless and that it has ended its harassment of Milwaukee schools,” said Sen. Johnson. “Many people were concerned that the investigation was fueled by the administration’s hostility to school choice. The probe placed a burden of uncertainty on Wisconsin parents who were just looking for a good education for their children. This is exactly the outcome I had hoped for when I directed my committee to conduct oversight on the Department of Justice's investigation, which had dragged on far too long." Read more here.
Applauding First Obamacare Repeal to Reach President's Desk
Sen. Johnson applauded the news that a bill that repeals most of Obamacare will finally reach the president's desk for his signature. Ron said, “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has utterly failed to live up to its name. Millions of Americans found they couldn’t keep their coverage or their doctors, as President Obama and other supporters of the bill promised. Millions of Americans are experiencing less choice, reduced access and higher premiums and deductibles. For those who recognize the harm being done to real people, it is crucial to elect a president and members of Congress in 2016 who will repeal and replace this damaging law in 2017.”
Sen. Johnson's statement on the President's veto of Obamacare repeal here.
Fighting the FCC
Sen. Johnson has been pushing the Federal Communications Commissions to allow satellite TV providers to carry in-state signals. “Constituents in Hurley, Ashland and Rice Lake, Wisconsin, all of which are considered part of Minnesota media markets, have expressed their frustration with not getting Wisconsin news or Packer games,” wrote Johnson in a letter to FCC chairman Tom Wheeler.
Ron on the Radio and TV
Sen. Johnson on CNN's The Situation Room w/ Wolf Blitzer 1/4/16
Sen. Johnson on CNN's The Lead w/ Jake Tapper 1/6/16
Sen. Johnson on local radio here.
The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer: Watch
Connect with Ron's Staff
Sen. Johnson's staff will be available for mobile office hours at the date and location listed below. These office hours allow constituents to get help with federal matters.Buena Vista Town Hall
6684 County Road BB, Bancroft
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Markesan City Hall, Community Room
150 S. Bridge St., Markesan
Tuesday, Jan. 12, noon – 1 p.m.
Freedom Town Hall (Outagamie County)
W2004 County Highway S, Freedom
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2:05 p.m. – 3:05 p.m.
Waupaca City Hall, Front Conference Room
111 S. Main St., Waupaca
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Two Rivers City Hall, Council Chambers
1717 E. Park St., Two Rivers